Recs from Friends: The Guide to Finding the perfect White Tee (and Tank)

The best white tees for every body type according to our stylist friends

My hot take of the month is that the idea of a “universally flattering” perfect white tee is a complete and total myth. Yes, it's the ultimate wardrobe staple. Yes, when you find the right one, it becomes your most-worn piece. But the idea that there's one magical tee that works for everyone is pure fantasy.

The reality is that what looks amazing on your favorite influencer won't necessarily look the same on you. Finding the right one requires understanding your body and what cuts work best for your proportions.

I still remember trying to nail the “cool girl in a white tank” look in the early 2000s. I begged for a ribbed Ragg Tattoo tank (LA girls, you know), paired it with bootcut jeans, and expected to look like Amanda Bynes in What a Girl Wants. Instead, I looked like Kevin Federline. The tank wasn’t the issue—I just hadn’t figured out what worked for my preteen frame.

Now, 20 years later with a completely different post-puberty body, I’m still on the hunt for tees and tanks that don’t create a uniboob or make me look like a walking rectangle. Two things I’ve learned while being on the hunt:

1. The perfect white tee does exist—but it’s not at all a one-size-fits-all situation.

2. Most of us are looking in the wrong place.

I asked our stylist friends to break down what actually matters: necklines, lengths, fabrics, proportions. The guide below is organized by body type and styling goals—because context matters.

• If You’re Athletic or Straight-Built

• If You Have Broad Shoulders

• If You’re Petite

• If You Have a Fuller Bust

• If You’re Curvy or Hourglass-Shaped

• If You Have a Long Torso

• If You Have Fuller Arms

  

There is a scattered range of price points too (and yes, you might decide to spend $80-100 on what seems like a basic tee, but think of it as cost-per-wear: the right white tee will earn its place in your rotation, surviving countless wash cycles while that $200 impulse-buy going-out top collects dust after two wears).

The goal isn't to find the perfect white tee—it's to find your perfect white tee.

If You’re Athletic or Straight-Built

Best Bet: Boxy tees, racerback tanks, ribbed knits

These add shape where you want it. Boxy tees create volume up top, while racerbacks highlight your shoulders and narrow your waist. Ribbed tanks help create curves without being clingy.

Fit Goals: Add dimension and shape, highlight shoulders, and define the waist

Avoid: Long, unstructured tees that flatten your silhouette.

Recs:

• Jungmaven Ojai Tee (fits like the super popular Re/Done x Hanes but half the price!!) – Recommended by Tiffany M.

• Skims Sheer Rib Tank (layer this one) – Recommended by Lauren D.

• My Outfit Online T-Shape Tank – Recommended by Lauren D.